KINSHASA, Congo — Rwanda-backed rebels have killed at least 80 people in eastern Congo in recent weeks, Congolese authorities said, despite the ongoing Qatar-led peace process aiming to end the conflict.

A decades-long conflict ravaging eastern Congo escalated this year when the M23 rebel group seized two key cities with the help of neighboring Rwandan forces. The Democratic Republic of Congo has long been racked by deadly conflict in its mineral-rich east, with more than 100 armed groups active.

The continuing violence could threaten efforts to get Congo and the rebels to sign a permanent peace deal by Aug. 18 as hoped for. One of the deal’s conditions is the protection of civilians and the safe return of millions of displaced people.

The Congolese army said in a statement late Frida

See Full Page